Best PC Role Playing Games (RPGs) of 2018

Today we are putting together a list of the best games from our favorite genre. Yes, RPGs! 2018 witnessed the release of many noteworthy role-playing games, and unsurprisingly most of the better ones were indie. So without any further ado, here’s our pick:

Best PC RPGs of 2018

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

I really enjoyed Obsidian’s new cRPG. It delivers on all fronts-lore, story, combat, post-release content and even the characters are well written. It doesn’t get better than this. Deadfire is one of those mature RPGs that gnaw at your conscious repeatedly, you’ll be forced to make choices where there is no right or wrong. These moments become the most memorable parts of the game.

The Banner Saga III

The Banner Saga came to an end in 2018 with the final, darkest entry in the trilogy. The game doesn’t derail from its established formula but throws in multiple endings that rely on decisions made throughout all three games. Although the combat can be a bit of a drag at times, the story manages to keep the momentum going and player choice tends to have far-reaching consequences.

Final Fantasy XV: Windows Edition

Final Fantasy XV is one of the first games from the JRPG franchise to get a dedicated PC version. Developed in partnership with NVIDIA, the game features a slew of PC specific optimizations, from Gameworks effects like HBAO+, soft-shadows and interactive grass to the new RTX specific DLSS anti-aliasing technique. Although the game’s last moments weren’t very well received, it continues to be one of our favorite JRPGs.

Pathfinder: Kingmaker

Pathfinder was criticized by many at launch, but despite that, for those who know what the game is about, it’s an absolute treat. It has a skilfully written plotline and the latest iteration of the DnD combat system. The player plays as a local lord expanding their influence. making many allies as well as enemies along the way. In case, you are on the fence, then get this. Chris Avellone took part in the development of this gem and you have to give it a try if you’re a fan.

Kingdom Come Deliverance

Warhorse Studio’s first game, Kingdom Come: Deliverance was the subject of many controversies. The developers had a tough time trying to bring the game to fruition. They kept running into one problem after another- a shortage of funds, negative publicity from certain outlets, seemingly exaggerated Kickstarter goals and so on.

The game itself is a must-try however with a sprawling open world, one of the best RPG combat systems we’ve seen in years, a generous scoop of Bohemian history and an immersive, albeit short narrative. The game doesn’t shy away from some of the darker themes most developers tend to avoid, but that further enhances the already stringent realism mechanics.

Atom RPG

If Fallout was made by Russians, then it would have been this game. Atom RPG is set in a post-apocalyptic setting with a gameplay similar to the older Fallout games but in a modern interface and improved visuals. It keeps a track of various factors like player hunger, injury, radiation sickness, etc to heighten the immersion and make the experience more realistic.

Atom RPG has a turn-based combat and survival elements and doesn’t hold the player’s hand. You’re thrown into the wasteland with some clothes and an empty water bottle to figure things out by yourself or eat eaten by some feral creature.

Insomnia: The Ark

Insomnia has its issues, but that doesn’t prevent it from being one of the better RPGs of the year. It doesn’t follow the traditional post-apocalyptic formula, but tries to break the mold. The story and lore are remarkably well done, with a focus on factions and real-life troubles. It’s like Fallout and Shadowrun had a baby but a slightly retarded one, but despite that, it turned out rather well. If you are a fan of diesel-punk or old-school RPGs, then don’t miss this one.

The Other Half

The Other Half is an indie RPG that isn’t for the faint of heart. If you want a truly dark tale with manageable combat mechanics, then this is for you. The story is truly haunting and the game itself isn’t that long, but there are multiple paths to different endings and unless you explore all of them, it’ll eat you up from inside. As for the setting:

A Demon Hunter receives a letter from Daniel, a man begging for help against a demonic infestation from the mountain that he calls home. The Hunter, in a search for him through the cold and abandoned world, will discover a twisted tale of intimacy and violence of the past, and must use that knowledge to purge the demons from the once-beautiful land.

Ghost of a Tale

Ghost of a Tale is a hidden gem of an RPG. It provides one of the most unique experiences where you play as a mouse looking for his mate. There are dangers at every step and stealth is the core component of the gameplay. There are some truly emotional sequences with an emphasis on the harsh realities of life.

Bonus:

Edge of Eternity

Edge of Eternity is one of the few decent JRPGs on Steam. Although the game is still in early access, I suggest at least having a lot at it. Gorgeous visuals, mature themes largely absent from the JRPG genre, the game has a turn-based combat that just works and the although the plot is still raw, it seems to have a lot of potential. Lastly, the developers are really engaging with the community and if all works out well, this should turn out to be solid game.

I love computer hardware and RPGs, and those two things are what drove me to start TechQuila. Other than that most of my time goes into reading psychology, writing (and reading) dark poetry and wondering about the vast undiscovered expanses of our universe.